February 02, (THEWILL) — Jean-Philippe Mateta’s proposed deadline-day transfer from Crystal Palace to AC Milan collapsed on Monday, following concerns over medical test results. The France striker had been omitted from Palace’s squad for their English Premier League draw with Nottingham Forest on Sunday in anticipation of the move.
Milan requested additional examinations on Mateta’s knee, which failed to provide sufficient assurances to complete the transfer, according to reports. The 28-year-old had originally been scheduled to join the Italian club at the end of the current season, with the decision made to advance his arrival by six months before the deal was abandoned entirely.
Mateta has netted 56 goals for Palace since joining on loan from Mainz in January 2021, playing a crucial role in the side’s FA Cup triumph last season. The striker has scored 10 goals this campaign, but has found the net just once in his last 12 appearances.
Palace have endured a difficult period, winless in 12 matches across all competitions. Manager Oliver Glasner has announced his departure at the end of the season, whilst defender, Marc Guehi, has left for Manchester City.
Milan had sought to strengthen their attack in pursuit of city rivals, Inter Milan, who hold an eight-point advantage at the top of Serie A. Italian media reported that Juventus could attempt to sign Mateta before Monday’s transfer deadline, whilst Juventus separately confirmed the loan signing of Swedish defender, Emil Holm, from Bologna with a €15m purchase option.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
